Liquid filter arrangement; components; and, methods

ABSTRACT

Liquid filter arrangements are described and shown. The arrangements generally include a filter head, a seal adaptor, and a filter member comprising a shell enclosing a cartridge. Unique features for interface between the filter cartridge and the filter head are provided. Also provided are unique filter head features and cartridge features.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuing application of U.S. Ser. No.11/600,011, filed Nov. 14, 2006, which has now issued as U.S. Pat. No.7,628,280 on Dec. 8, 2009. Application U.S. Ser. No. 11/600,011 wasfiled with a claim of priority from provisional application Ser. No.60/737,441, filed Nov. 15, 2005. Each of U.S. Ser. No. 11/600,011 and60/737,441, is incorporated herein by reference. Further a claim ofpriority is made to each, to the extent appropriate.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to liquid filter arrangements useable, forexample, to filter hydraulic fluids and lubricating fluids. A filterhead is described on which a serviceable filter cartridge arrangement ispositioned in use. Methods of assembly and use are also provided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Circulating liquid systems such as hydraulic fluids and lubricatingfluids, typically require a filter arrangement. The filter arrangementis typically positioned so that the fluids are filtered by passagethrough filter media positioned within the filter arrangement. Typicallythe filter arrangement is configured so that the componentry containingthe media is a service part, i.e., the media can, periodically, beremoved and be replaced.

There are two common types of liquid filter arrangements. The first,typically referred to herein as a “spin-on” type, involves a filter headinstalled on equipment, and a spin-on filter member or cartridge. Thefilter member or cartridge is often referred to as “spin-on” because theassembly including the filter media is typically secured to the filterhead by threading. In spin-on arrangements, the filter media istypically secured within a shell or housing as a housing/mediacombination, and the entire housing/media combination, as a filtermember or cartridge, is removed and replaced during servicing.

The second common type of liquid filter arrangement is referred toherein as a bowl/cartridge arrangement. With a bowl/cartridgearrangement, the filter head is again installed on the equipment. Thefilter media, however, is contained within a filter cartridge in a formremovably positioned within a housing or shell. A housing/cartridgecombination is again mounted on the filter head for use. However, duringservicing, the housing is disconnected from the filter head, the mediacontained within the housing or shell is replaced, and the same shell orhousing, with the replacement media inside, is then remounted on thefilter head.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to the present disclosure, a variety of features andtechniques are provided that can be implemented in liquid filterarrangements, such as hydraulic filter arrangement or lubricant (oil)filter arrangements. Selected ones of the techniques can be applied ineither spin-on filter arrangements or bowl/cartridge filterarrangements, or both.

Techniques described include features incorporated in one or both of thefilter head and/or filter member removably mounted on the filter head.

There is no requirement that all of the techniques described herein beincorporated in a given system, for that system to obtain at least someadvantage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a filter assembly comprising a filter head with a filtermember mounted thereon, in accord with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the assembly depicted inFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view, of an alternateversion of the assembly depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a filter head component ofthe assembly depicted in FIG. 1, in the form shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of the cross-sectiondepicted in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a component used in theassembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the component depicted in FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION I. Description of Drawings

The reference numeral 1, FIG. 1, generally indicates a liquid filterassembly according to the present disclosure. The liquid filter assembly1 includes a filter head 2 and a filter housing 3. The filter head 2 istypically installed on equipment, in a liquid line, for example ahydraulic line or lubricating fluid (oil) line. During servicing, thefilter head 2 would typically remain in place in the equipment.

The filter member or housing 3, on the other hand, is a filter memberremovably mounted on the filter head 2. During servicing, the filtermember or housing 3 is removed from the filter head 2, so that servicingis provided by a replacement of the media contained within the filtermember or housing 3 (either with other portions of the housing 3 orseparately.) The filter member or housing 3 may be of either the spin-ontype or the bowl/cartridge type. The particular filter member or housing3 depicted in FIG. 1, is a spin-on type 3 a. Thus, during servicing, theentire filter member or housing 3 is removed and discarded, and replacedwith a new filter member or housing 3.

Herein the term “filter housing 3” is meant to generally refer to afilter member or assembly of the type mounted on the filter head andincluding media therein, to form the liquid filter arrangement. The term“filter housing” specifically refers to the entire member mounted on thefilter head.

Herein the terms “upper” and “lower” are sometimes used to refer to therelative location of components or features. When these terms are used,reference is meant to the orientation of the assembly 1 as depicted inFIGS. 1-3, and further limitation is not meant by these terms unlessotherwise specified.

In a cross-sectional view of FIG. 2, a central longitudinal axis 70 isdepicted, around which the filter member 3 is positioned. The terms“axial”, “axially” and variants thereof, as used herein, is generallymeant to refer to a feature extending in the general direction of theaxis 70. The terms “radial”, “radially” and variants thereof, are meantto refer to a direction toward or away from the axis 70.

Referring to FIG. 1, the filter head 2 includes a liquid flow inlet 5and a liquid flow outlet 6. During operation, liquid to be filtered isdirected into the filter head 2 through inlet 5. The liquid is thendirected through the filter housing 3, for liquid filtration. Thefiltered liquid is then returned in to the filter head 2, to exitthrough outlet 6.

Typically, inlet 5 will include a threaded inside, and outlet 6 athreaded inside, for securement of liquid lines for the equipment inwhich filter head 2 is installed. Alternate modes attachment to theliquid lines can be used, however.

The filter head 2 can include a wide variety of optional structuresthereon. At 10 are shown at locations for mounting of an optional solidstate sensor or a pressure switch.

At 12 is shown a peripheral, axial, projection arrangement comprising afirst projection 12 a and a second projection 12 b. The peripheral,axial, projection arrangement comprises projections 12 a, 12 b, thatextend axially (downwardly) from an exterior 2× of filter head 2 todepend in radial alignment with (radially adjacent to but spaced from) aportion 34 of filter housing 3 adjacent the filter head, when thehousing 3 is mounted. The peripheral, axial, projection arrangement 12operates as a guide, to help position the filter housing 3 on the filterhead 2, during servicing. In addition the projection arrangement 12helps ensure that a proper filter housing 3 is mounted, since it limitsthe diameter of the filter housing 3 at end 3 a.

Alternately stated, projection arrangement 12 typically comprises aplurality, i.e., at least two, projections 12 a, 12 b, that projectdownwardly from an exterior 12× of the filter head 2, to positionsradially positioned around, and spaced from, an open end (upper) portion3 u of a filter housing 3 mounted on the filter head z. Usually, 2-8projections 12 a, 12 b are used, although in some instances 1 projectionmay be used.

At 13 and 14 auxiliary ports are located. These can be capped for anassembly according to FIG. 1, or can be used with additional equipment.

At 15 receivers are located. Inside of filter head 2, receivers 15 canreceive optional support members, in some alternate uses of filter head2 from the examples shown.

In a typical system, the filter head 2, except for selected internalcomponentry discussed below, would comprise a cast metal part, forexample cast aluminum, with various features added thereto.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 2, in which a side cross-sectionalview of assembly 1 is depicted. In FIG. 2, an example of useableinternal components is provided. Referring first to filter head 2, it isnoted that mounted within filter head 2 is a bypass valve assembly 20.The bypass valve assembly 20 allows for flow directly from inlet 5 tooutlet 6, without passage through filter housing 3, under selectedcircumstances. Those circumstances would be ones in which media withinhousing 3 is sufficiently occluded, that an opening pressure for bypassvalve assembly is overcome, by a pressure differential between inlet 5and outlet 6.

The bypass valve assembly 20 comprises a valve head 21 slidably mountedaround a valve stem 22, and sealed thereto at seal ring 21 a. The valvehead 21 is sized, shaped and positioned, to seal against valve seat 23in head 2, during normal installation. Secure seating is provided bybiasing member 24, in this instance a coiled spring 24 a, positionedaround the valve stem 22 and biasing the valve head 21 into sealingposition, in this instance the biasing is toward the flow inlet 5. Whenthe opening force of the spring 24 a is overcome by an operatingpressure differential between inlet 5 and outlet 6, the valve head 21will move or slide away from the seat 23, toward outlet 6, allowingliquid flow through an open aperture 27.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the filter housing 3 is shown comprising: anexternal shell 30; an internally received filter cartridge 31 and topplate 32. Typically, the outer shell 30 comprises a metal component.Typically the top plate 32 is a metal ring, although alternatives arepossible.

In general, the shell 30 comprises a sidewall 35, a first, remote(bottom) end 36 (in this instance a closed end 36 a), and an opposite,second, open end 37 adjacent the filter head. The example shell 30depicted includes a seal shoulder 38 and top lip 39. The top plate 32 ispositioned with a first (upper) portion 32 u secured between lip 39 andseal shoulder 38, and with a second (lower) portion 321 axiallydepending from portion 32 u in a direction toward shell end 36.

FIG. 2 is schematic, and certain seal members and a spacer member arenot shown in FIG. 2, although locations for them are. These members areshown and discussed in connection with the modified arrangement of FIG.3, discussed below.

Still referring to FIG. 2, top plate 32 includes first (upper) portion32 u and second (lower) portion 321, each disposed around an open center32 c. The first (upper) portion 32 u includes an inwardly directed, orinner surface 32 i for engagement with threaded region 40 of axially(downwardly) extending post 41 in head 2. More specifically, head 2includes axially (downwardly) projecting mounting post 41 having a first(upper) region 41 u and a second (lower) region 411. The first (upper)region 41 u is positioned for radial alignment with, and engagementwith, first (upper) region 32 u of top plate 32, during installation.Engagement between regions 41 u and 32 u, is typically through threadedengagement, as shown.

Second (lower) portion 411 includes an outside seal surface 41 o. Second(lower) region 321 of top plate 32 overlaps region 41 o with a seal,such as an o-ring seal, therebetween, during installation. In theschematic of FIG. 2, the o-ring is not depicted, however it is shown at43, in the variation of FIG. 3. In FIG. 2, the seal would be located at42.

Still referring to FIG. 2, shell 30 defines interior 30 i, in which ispositioned the filter cartridge 31. The cartridge 31 comprises media 50positioned in extension between second (lower) end cap 51 and first(upper) end cap 52. The media 50 can comprise a variety of materials asselected for the particular filter operation and conditions to beencountered. Typically the filter media 50 would be provided in apleated form, although alternatives are possible. A variety of types orshapes of media or media pleats can be used. At 53 coils of adhesivebeads around the media 50 to help maintain media integrity and pleatspacing are shown. The media 50 can be lined with a plastic or wire meshscreen, if desired.

The media 50 is configured around, and to define, an open interior 55.Positioned within the open interior 55 is internal media support 56, inthis instance comprising a porous liner extending along the media 50between the end caps 51, 52, and secured to the end caps 51, 52. Theparticular liner 56 depicted, is a louvered, spiral-wound, edge locked,liner arrangement 56 a. Alternate liner arrangements are possible.

Although alternatives are possible, for the example shown, end cap 51 isa closed end cap 51 a, meaning it has a closed center 51 c prohibitingpassage therethrough of unfiltered liquid. The media 50 is generallyeither potted or adhered to the end cap 51, or the end cap 51 ismolded-in-place on the media 50. A variety of materials can be used forthe end cap 51. Typically metal or plastic materials are used.

In some applications, end cap 51 can have an aperture therethrough,which is closed (plugged) by other structure within the arrangement toensure unfiltered liquid does not unacceptably bypass media 50, by flowthrough the end cap 51.

End cap 52, on the other hand, is typically an open end cap defining acentral flow aperture 52 o therethrough. Aperture 52 o is positioned indirect flow communication with interior 55 of media 50. Herein the term“direct flow communication”, is meant to refer to a passageway thatallows a flow communication with interior 55, in a manner that does notrequire passage through the media 50. That is, liquid within interior 55can flow through aperture 52 o, directly, without passing through mediaat the same time. Of course, the liquid does not reach interior 55,unless it has passed through the media 50 in the first instance, for an“out-to-in” flow arrangement as described.

As indicated, the particular cartridge 31 depicted, is configured forout-to-in flow, during filtering. By this it is meant that unfilteredliquid is directed: (1) from filter head 2 into annulus 60, around themedia 50 and between sidewall 35 and the media 50; and (2) then throughmedia 50 into interior 55 and through support 56. This direction of flowwill filter the liquid, as it flows from out-to-in through the media 50.The filtered liquid is then directed upwardly through aperture 52 o, inend cap 52, back into head 2 and then outwardly through exit 6.

It is noted that many of the principles described here can be utilizedin association with “in-to-out” flow arrangements, in which the flowdirection for liquid being filtered, is in reverse direction, i.e.,through aperture 52 o, then from interior 55 through media 50 intoannulus 60. Many of the features shown in FIG. 2 could be reconfiguredfor such flow, if desired. Example changes that would be necessary, arethe location and direction of operation of bypass valve assembly 20, andreversing the flow direction of inlet 5 and outlet 6.

In general, a seal arrangement is needed between the cartridge 31 filterhead 2, to prevent liquid flow, except as managed by the bypass valveassembly 20, from bypassing the media 50 as it is directed throughfilter housing 3. Such a seal arrangement is provided by: sealarrangement 65, on cartridge 31; and, seal adapter 66, mounted on head2.

For the particular cartridge 31 depicted, the seal arrangement 65includes a rigid seal mount 69 projecting axially outwardly from end cap52. The term “outwardly” in this context, is meant to refer to adirection of projection away from the media 50. The mount 69 can beformed (for example molded) integral with a remainder of end cap 52.

Although alternatives are possible, the example mount 69 shown includesa groove defined by spaced flanges 73, 74 that operates as a mountingspace 75 for a seal 76. Although variants are possible, in theparticular example shown, the mount 69 is configured such that the seal76 is a radially, outwardly, directed form of seal. The particular seal76 depicted, is an o-ring 76 a, although alternatives are possible.

The seal adapter 66 includes first (upper) mounting portion 66 u; second(lower) seal ring 66 l; and, conduit region 66 t. The first (upper)region 66 u is positioned for mounting engagement with head 2. For theparticular example shown, first (upper) region 66 u has a threaded outerregion 67, for threaded engagement with central mounting post 80.Typically and preferably, seal adapter 66, once mounted on head 2, isnot removed. Thus, along with the threaded engagement, an adhesive orsealant can be used to secure the parts (2, 66) together.

Second (lower) seal region 66 l, generally defines a seal surface forengagement with the seal arrangement 65. For the example shown, althoughan alternative is possible, seal ring 66 l defines a radially inwardlydirected, or inner, seal surface 66 i, for engagement with an o-ringpositioned in receiver 76. The example seal surface 66 i has a circular,ring, shape.

Seal adapter 66 can be made from a variety of materials. A relativelyrigid plastic material will be convenient, for typical use.

In FIG. 4, an enlarged cross-sectional view of a head 2 having sealadapter 66 mounted thereon, is shown. It can be seen that first (upper)portion 66 u of the adapter ring 66 includes a central aperture 85therethrough, for liquid flow. That is, liquid can pass into and throughadapter 66, to liquid exit 6 in head 2. (In an in-to-out flow operation,unfiltered liquid would flow through aperture 85.)

A radially outer surface 66 o of second (lower) region 66 l, includes aplurality of spaced projections 66 p therein. The projections 66 p aretypically aligned vertically in the installed head 2, i.e. parallel tocentral axis 70, although alternatives are possible. In FIG. 4, thecross-section is taken through two of the projections 66 p. Theprojections 66 p provide strength to second (lower) region 66 l on anopposite side of region 66 l from the sealing surface 66 i. Theprojections 66 p also operate to inhibit improper installation of afilter cartridge, that would involve an effort to seal to surface 66 o.

Still referring to FIG. 4, adapter 66 includes, projecting axially(downwardly) from lower region 66 l toward cartridge 31, lower or bottomedge 66 e comprising spaced projections 66 t with gaps 66 gtherebetween. The gaps 66 g help ensure that tip or edge 66 e will notbe used for improper sealing, during installation of a cartridge 31.

Conduit region 66 t, for the example shown, defines an internal, (inthis instance inverted funnel shaped) conduit surface 66 s, which willhelp direct liquid to aperture 85, from region 55, during operation. Inaddition, between adapter 66 and post 41 will be defined in inlet region90, which is provided direct to filter the liquid from inlet 5downwardly into annulus 60, FIG. 2. (In an in-to-out flow operation,filtered liquid would flow into region 90 from annulus 60.)

Referring still to FIG. 4, adapter 66 includes (upper) shoulder 92positioned for engagement with tip 80 t of mounting post 80 on filterhead 2. Sealant can be provided at this region as well as in threads 67,if desired.

Internal ribs are indicated at 66 r, to strengthen adapter 66, whenmolded from plastic.

In FIG. 2, some example dimensions are provided as follows: AA=101.6 mm;BB=238.2 mm; CC=301.7 mm; and DD=93.8 mm. In FIG. 4, some exampledimensions are provided as follows: BA=101.6 mm; BB=92.2 mm; BC=60.8 mm;and BD=83.4 mm. A system indicated by these dimensions, is typically ahydraulic filter arrangement. Of course alternate dimensions arepossible.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 3, a schematic, perspective,cross-sectional view of the assembly 1. It is noted that in FIG. 3,alternate internal structure to that shown in FIG. 2 is depicted.However, selected features that perform analogous operations, arenumbered analogously.

In FIG. 3, the adapter 66 is shown modified, in part by including acentral tubular extension section 95 on conduit region 66 t whichprojects downwardly through aperture 52 o at end cap 52, to a locationsurrounded by media 50, in particular media end 50 e. In the exampleshown, extension section 95 projects through aperture 52 o to a locationalso surrounded by inner lip 52 i of end cap 52, as well as the mediaend 50 e.

Herein, the extension section 95 may be characterized as projecting to alocation surrounded by media 50, or by similar terms, whether or not thelip 521 is between the media 50 and the extension section 95. Interiorsurface 95 a is depicted generally cylindrical in shape, with interiorreinforcing ribs 96, instead of funnel shape as shown in the example ofFIG. 2.

Referring still to FIG. 3, end cap 52 includes spacers or spacerarrangements 100. The spacer arrangements 100 include axial (vertical)spacer portions 101 and radial (horizontal) spacer portions 102. Thespacers 100 are spaced on end cap 52, and can be formed integrallytherewith. Typically there would be 2-8 spacers 100 positioned on andaround end cap 52.

Axial spacer portions 101 are generally positioned to engage lower tip41 t, of post 41, when housing 3 is installed on head 2, inhibiting(controlling) vertical movement of cartridge 31. That is, axial spacerportions 101 are positioned between post 41 and a remainder of the endcap 52, during installation. Engagement between tip 41 t and the spacers101, of end cap 52, occurs in an outer end region of end cap 52 around,and spaced from, seal mount 110.

Radial portions 102 generally provide for centering of cartridge 31within sidewall 35. That is, portions 102 are generally positionedbetween shell 30 and a remainder of end cap 52, and cartridge 31, duringinstallation.

For the particular example shown in FIG. 3, seal arrangement 65 ismodified, but still comprises axially outwardly directed, rigid sealmount section 110, for strong support of o-ring 76.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 5, which is an enlarged fragmentaryview of a portion of FIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 5 several featurespreviously characterized, or referenced, are depicted. First, sealmember 120 is depicted supported on lower region 321 of top plate 32,and providing a seal around lower region 411 of mounting post 41, whenhousing 3 is mounted on filter head 2.

Secondly, gasket 121 is shown positioned between mounting plate 32 andshoulder 38, providing for sealing between sidewall 35 and top plate 32.Although alternate approaches to sealing at this location can be used,the gasket 38 (positioned underneath top plate seal recess or shoulder32 s and above sidewall shoulder 30 a) is provided for a seal that hassome radial and some axial direction to it, is convenient.

Seal at gasket 121 is facilitated by providing end (upper) lip 39 in thesidewall 35 as shown, which is folded (bent) over an upper portion ortip 32 u of the top plate 32. The lip 39 in the example shown, is foldedover top plate and 32 s to provide an angle x, of typically at least30°, often at least 40° and usually no greater than 70°, and preferablywithin the range of 45° to 65°, although alternatives are possible. Asimilar angle is provided in top surface 32 s of top plate 32 u,relative to outer surface 125 of upper region 32. This provides forconvenient securing of gasket 121, as well as the inhibition againstloosening of the joint between the top plate 32 and sidewall 35 at thislocation.

Referring to FIG. 5, at 130 a spacer ring is shown positioned betweenlip 39 on sidewall 35, and shoulder 132 and head 2. The spacer ring 130can be made of a molded plastic material to provide that there will notbe a metal-to-metal end engagement during mounting of housing 3 to head2. Rather, the housing 3 would be threaded onto post 41 until spacer 130is tightly engaged. The spacer 130 would typically be made from aplastic material, so as to inhibit metal-to-metal contact as an endstop. This means that the threading of the housing 3 on post 41 can beconducted until tight, with less risk of damage to the seal andinterface between top plate 32 and housing sidewall 35. Also, ring 130prevents dust and dirt from interfering with the threaded engagementbetween top plate 32 and post 41.

Shoulder 132 includes three sections, first (upper) outer ring 132 o,central beveled surface 132 c and second (lower) inner portion 32 i. Incross-section, these portions generally define an open z definition, theterm “open” in this context, being meant to refer to the fact that theangles y and z, FIG. 5, are each greater than 90°. The shape defined,provides a convenient engaging surface for the ring 130, while at thesame time accommodating lip 39.

In FIGS. 6 and 7 the ring 39 is shown, FIG. 6 being a perspective viewand FIG. 7 cross-sectional view.

Referring to FIG. 6, the ring 39 includes vertical (axial) projections140 extending therefrom. These will nest in mating recess region of head2, to inhibit rotation of ring 39 when mounted.

Still referring to FIG. 6, ring 39 includes spaced inwardly directed(radial) projections 141. These will engage recesses in head 2, furtherhelping to secure the ring 39 in position, once mounted.

Referring to the cross section of FIG. 7, in general the ring 39includes an outer ring 143 and inner ring 144 with diagonal, beveled,region 145 therebetween. The beveled region includes an outer, (whenmounted in accord with FIGS. 1-3, lower) surface 145 a and an inner,(when mounted in accord with FIGS. 1-3, upwardly directed) beveledsurface 145 b. 145 b is oriented to engage surface 132 c, 145. Surface145 a, which is opposite surface 145 b, is oriented to engage lip 39,FIG. 5. The relationship among 143, section 145, and ring 144, is anopen z configuration as characterized above. It is noted that portionsof surface 145 b are interrupted by projections 140.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, it is noted that in each instance a sealdiameter for the seal between the end cap 52 and the seal surface 66 i,referred to herein are as DS (seal diameter) is such that the seallocation is spaced between an inside surface 50 i and an outside surface50 o, of the media 50, across end cap 52. Typically the seal location isspaced from each surface 500 and 50 i a distance of at least 10%typically at least 15%, of the distance between the media inside surface50 i and the media inside surface 50 o.

In typical arrangements, the seal location Ds will be at a location of0.85-1.15 Db (typically 0.9-1.1 Db, often 0.93-1.07 Db and usually0.95-1.05 Db) where Db is a seal diameter for a theoretical seal placedat a location of axial pressure balance for the end cap 52, where anupstream pressure Pu operating on exposed surfaces of the end cap 52 isin balance, with respect to axially directed forces, provided by adownstream pressure Pd also operating on exposed end cap surfaces.Methods of calculating Db for pleated arrangements are described, forexample, in PCT/US2005/011256 filed Apr. 4, 2005 and U.S. applicationSer. No. 11/098,242 filed Apr. 4, 2005, the complete disclosure of eachbeing incorporated herein by reference.

An advantage from such a seal location, is that it facilitates choice ofmaterials for the filter cartridge 31.

II. General Review

In general terms, according to present disclosure a liquid filterarrangement is provided. The liquid filter arrangement includes a filterhead including a first head portion having a liquid flow inlet and aflow liquid outlet, and a second head portion comprising an outer ringprojection having an outer surface with a first threaded section and asecond seal surface. The first threaded section is axially positionedbetween the second seal surface and the first head portion, i.e., forthe orientation shown in FIGS. 1-3, the first threaded section ispositioned above the second seal surface.

The filter head includes, positioned thereon, a central projectionpositioned on the first head portion surrounded by and spaced radiallyinwardly from, the second head portion. The central projection defines acartridge seal surface, typically defining a circular or ring perimeter.Typically the cartridge seal surface is directed radially inwardly,although some of the principles described can be implemented with anoppositely directed seal surface.

In a typical example, the first head portion and second head portionwould be integral with one another, as part of a cast metal filter head;and, the central projection would be a separate piece, for examplemolded from plastic or alternatively made from metal, and attached tothe filter head, for example through a threaded connection.

Also the liquid filter arrangement typically includes a liquid filtermember, i.e., a serviceable filter arrangement. The liquid filter membertypically includes an outer shell having a sidewall defining an interiorand an open end. There is also typically an opposite, closed end, andfrom the open end. The outer shell is typically threadably mounted onthe filter head with a seal ring positioned between the liquid filtermember and the filter handle. In an example shown, the seal ispositioned between a top plate secured inside of the outer shell, andthe second seal surface of the second head portion.

A filter cartridge is positioned within the interior of the shell. Thecartridge comprises media extending between first and second end caps,which can be metal or plastic. The first end cap is an open end cap witha central aperture. It includes an axially outwardly projecting,typically rigid, seal mount thereon. By “outwardly projecting” in thiscontext, it is meant that the seal mount projects away from the media.The filter cartridge includes a seal mounted on the axially outwardlyprojecting seal mount. Typically the seal is positioned as an outsideradial seal, positioned around the mount, and oriented to seal againstthe inwardly directed cartridge seal surface of the central projectionof the first head portion.

A variety of features usable with such arrangements are described. Forexample, the filter head can be provided with at least one peripheralguide projection secured to an outside surface of the filter head andoriented to project to a location radially adjacent the outer shell ofthe liquid filter member, but spaced therefrom.

In an example shown in FIG. 3, the central projection positioned on thefirst head portion includes a conduit member projecting into the openend cap central aperture of the filter cartridge, terminating at alocation surrounded by media. In the example of FIG. 3 shown, positionedbetween the media and this conduit member, is a portion of the end cap.

In the example shown, a plastic disk is positioned axially between thefilter head and an end of the filter shell. A preferred configuration toa plastic disk is shown, having an actual beveled surface region angledwith a first side portion facing radially inwardly and toward the firsthead portion, and a second side portion facing radially outwardly andtoward the shell. In an example shown, the first head portion includes abeveled surface adjacent the disc, and the shell includes a beveled tipor lip adjacent the disc on a side of the disc opposite the beveled ringportion of the first head portion.

In the figures, a bypass valve arrangement positioned in the first headportion of the filter head, to selectively permit direct liquid flowfrom the liquid flow inlet to the liquid flow outlet is shown. By“direct” in this context, it is meant that the bypass valve allows,under appropriate conditions, flow from the liquid flow inlet to theliquid flow outlet, without direction through the filter member and inparticular through the filter cartridge within the filter member.

In an examples described, a liquid filter member is a spin-on filterassembly. However, many of the principles described can be applied witha bowl/cartridge filter arrangement, as the liquid filter member.

Detailed features of a liquid filter assembly, useable with the generaldescription above, are also provided.

What is claimed is:
 1. A liquid filter member configured to bethreadably mounted on a filter head, the liquid filter membercomprising: (a) an outer shell having a sidewall defining an interiorand an open end; (i) the shell including an inwardly directed shoulderand a top lip; (b) a filter cartridge non-removeably positioned withinthe interior of the shell; (i) the filter cartridge comprising pleatedmedia extending between first and second end caps; (A) the mediadefining a pleat tip outer diameter; (ii) the first end cap being anopen end cap with a central aperture and including an axially outwardlyprojecting seal mount thereon; (A) the filter cartridge including a sealmounted on the axially outwardly projecting seal mount and configured toform an outwardly directed radial seal against a seal surface supportedby the filter head while the liquid filter member is disposed inposition for use; and, (B) the seal mount being positioned to supportthe seal at a location to form a seal diameter such that the seal islocated in overlap with the media at a location spaced between an insideperimeter of the media and an outside perimeter of the media, across thefirst end cap, a distance of at least 10% of a distance between theinside perimeter of the media and the outside perimeter of the media;and, (iii) the second end cap being closed; and, (c) a top platenon-removeably secured within the shell and having an upper portion anda lower portion; (i) the top plate upper portion having an inwardlythreaded region, of an inner diameter greater than an outer perimeterdiameter of the media, by which the filter member can be mounted on afilter head for use; and, (ii) the top plate lower portion beingpositioned to engage, in axial overlap, the first end cap, to inhibitthe cartridge from being removed from the shell; (iii) the top plateincluding: (A) a first region having an inside threaded regionpositioned between the top lip and the shoulder in the shell; and, (B) asecond region extending axially away from the first region; and, (d) agasket positioned between the top plate and the shoulder in the shell;(e) the filter cartridge not being sealed, by a seal member, to the topplate.
 2. A liquid filter member according to claim 1 wherein: (a) thefirst end cap includes a plurality of spaced radial spacer projectionsthereon oriented with a portion thereof positioned between an end of themedia, adjacent the first end cap, and the outer shell.
 3. A liquidfilter member according to claim 2 wherein: (a) the top plate lowerregion engages, in axial overlap, the radial spacer projections on thefirst end cap to inhibit the cartridge from being removed from theshell.
 4. A liquid filter member according to claim 3 wherein: (a) theouter shell includes the top lip folded over the top plate to retain thetop plate in the shell.
 5. A liquid filter member according to claim 1wherein: (a) the outer shell includes the top lip folded over the topplate to retain the top plate in the shell.
 6. A liquid filter memberaccording to claim 5 wherein: (a) the top plate includes an upper tipand an outside portion of the upper portion; (i) the tip having asurface extending at an angle of 40° to 70°, inclusive, relative to theoutside portion of the upper portion; and, (b) the upper lip of theshell being folded over the surface of the top plate tip to extend at anangle of 40° to 70°, inclusive.
 7. A liquid filter member according toclaim 1 wherein: (a) the seal mount is positioned to support the seal ata location to form a seal diameter such that the seal location is spacedbetween an inside perimeter of the media and an outside perimeter of themedia, across the first end cap, a distance of at least 15% of adistance between the inside perimeter of the media and the outsideperimeter of the media.
 8. A liquid filter member according to claim 1wherein: (a) the seal being at a location within the range of 0.95-1.05D_(b), where D_(b) is a diameter for a theoretical seal placed atlocation of axial pressure balance for the first end cap.
 9. A liquidfilter member according to claim 1 wherein: (a) the seal is an o-ring.